Real Madrid to ramp up interest in Man City winger Sterling (Mail)

Real Madrid are set to intensify their interest in Raheem Sterling following the England star’s super show in Seville.

The Manchester City forward scored twice in Monday’s euphoric win against Spain to end his three year international goal drought.
Madrid representatives were in attendance at the Estadio Benito Villamarin to watch Sterling play a lead role in England’s first-half dismantling of Luis Enrique’s side and left the UEFA Nations League clash suitably impressed.
The Spanish giants have a long-standing interest in Sterling; former manager Zinedine Zidane confirming their interest in the attacker ahead of his move to Manchester City in 2015.
There is growing concern at City that Sterling’s value is quickly diminishing due to the ongoing uncertainty over his contractual situation.
Sterling has just 18 months left on his current deal at City – and while talks over an extension are ongoing, an agreement is still to be reached.

In the current market, Sterling would likely be worth in-excess of £100million – but City fear his price tag could be slashed by more than half by the turn of the year.
And Real’s interest poses an intriguing development in City’s efforts to reach a deal with Sterling, who currently earns £180,000-per-week.
Knowing Sterling could be available for a cut-price transfer, Real will ponder a substantial cash offer for Sterling to tempt City into selling.

City are likely to be inundated with offers from Europe’s leading clubs for Sterling next summer if they cannot agree terms, but Real are manoeuvring themselves into position should his future at City remain unresolved.
As it stands, Sterling will be a free agent at the end of next season. Sterling has strengthen his reputation as one of Europe’s most talented forwards in the past 18 months – scoring 23 goals in City’s record breaking run to the Premier League title last season. He has already scored seven goals this campaign.